August 3, 2011

Classic Oatmeal Cookies

I first got a passport on May 28, 2008. Two weeks out of college, it was $110 that I really couldn't afford. But I was going on a trip and I needed it. Plus, it's good for 10 years. "An investment" is how I looked at it.

Three months later, I met Scott. Before May 28, 2009, we were married. With my new married name, my investment was now. completely. worthless.

If your name changes within a year of receiving your first passport, you can get a new one for free. I did not fall into that category because, let's face it, it took me the entire summer of 2009 to legally change my name on everything. I never did change my email address. Or my voicemail. I'm okay with that. Some other people aren't, but I don't care.

Then, the Army gave me a free passport to come to Alaska. Because we were driving through Canada, I needed a passport. Because I was on military orders, I got a government-issued passport. I was excited. My problem had solved itself. (Ignoring something had made it go away!)

But.

Oh.

It is also completely. worthless. unless I'm traveling on military orders. Chances are, the only time I'll ever travel through a foreign country again on military orders will be when we drive back through Canada on our way to the lower 48. Awesome.

So, on the to-do list this summer? Name change on my passport.

I've been effectively putting this off since May 25th.

One of the distractions was these oatmeal cookies. I had all day a few Fridays ago to do absolutely nothing. Perfect for a trip to the Post Office.

Nope. I stayed in my pajamas and made cookies.

They were very good.

This is totally the recipe off of the Quaker Oats box. It's the best recipe for oatmeal cookies that I've ever come across. Also, no raisins here! Load them up with chocolate chips!

With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla; beat well.
Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Add to the creamed mixture and mix to combine. Add in the oats and chocolate chips.

Drop by tablespoons onto a greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Check often. You'll want to pull them out just before they start to brown.